FORMER Darlington defender Kevin Austin has died at the age of 45.

He died on Friday after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Able to play left-back or centre-back, Austin signed for Quakers aged 37 at the beginning of the 2010-11 season when Mark Cooper was manager.

He made 14 appearances, which included an FA Cup win at Mossley when he scored one of Darlington’s goals in a 6-2 win. Never a regular scorer in his career, it was his first goal for 12 years.

After six months he signed on loan for Boston United, though Cooper wanted to use him in the FA Trophy final at the of the season, but FA rules did not permit it.

Only players available at the time of the semi-finals, when Austin was with Boston, were eligible for the final at Wembley against Mansfield Town.

Cooper said at the time: "I was aware that you couldn't sign players after the semi-final, but Kev is already our player. That rule is in place to stop a team signing a player in time for the final, but Kev is already our player and we're paying him.

"So I've told the FA that were going to stop paying him and the FA can pay him instead because effectively we've been told he's not our player. They've no answer to that."

During his time with Swansea, Austin won promotion from League Two in 2005 and was a part of Roberto Martinez's League One-winning squad in 2008.

Swansea said in a statement: "Everyone at Swansea City is desperately saddened to hear of the passing of former defender Kevin Austin.

"The Swans have been in touch with Kevin's family, who wished to convey that the club always had a special place in his heart."

Hackney-born Austin began his Football League career with Leyton Orient, having moved from non-League side Saffron Walden Town in 1993.

He made more than 100 appearances for Orient and then Lincoln, before spending time with Barnsley, Brentford, Cambridge, Bristol Rovers, Chesterfield before joining Darlington.

Austin had been involved in coaching after his playing days, including a role in Scunthorpe United's academy.